PALMER - A 30-year-old Ludlow man pleaded guilty on Wednesday for his role in a crash last summer that seriously injured a Chicopee motorcyclist.

Carlos F. Serrazina, who was operating a 1992 BMW when it collided with Kevin Bowen's motorcycle at Fuller and Cherry streets in Ludlow in July 2010, said little at the hearing before Judge Patricia T. Poehler in Palmer District Court.

Poehler recommended that he serve 18 months at the House of Correction, with nine months direct and the remainder suspended. He will be subject to supervised probation for two years. The sentence was a compromise between what the commonwealth asked for - 2 1/2 years in jail, and what his lawyer Robert S. Murphy requested - one year, with six months direct.

Serrazina was charged with operating under the influence of liquor, serious bodily injury resulting, and reckless operation of a motor vehicle. On the latter charge, he received three years supervised probation. He will lose his driver's license for two years as a result of the conviction. He also must remain alcohol free, seek counseling, and be subject to random testing.

Bowen, 38, was operating a 2005 Victory motorcycle when Serrazina took a left turn in front of him, causing the collision, Prosecutor Mary D. Partyka said. Bowen, whose left ankle was severely injured, still uses crutches.

Bowen addressed the court, and said his life has changed forever due to Serrazina's "reckless behavior." Bowen said he has had six blood transfusions and 13 surgeries, and another surgery is coming up.

Shedding tears, he said he cannot live independently, and said his ability to financially support his young daughter has been jeopardized. A master sergeant with the Air Force, Bowen said his work has been affected by the accident. Bowen later said he was satisfied with the outcome of the case.

"I believe the judge was fair," Bowen said.

Murphy said his client is "extremely regretful" and understands the harm he brought to Bowen's family. Serrazina said he had been drinking at a friend's house prior to the accident. He was led away in handcuffs at the conclusion of the hearing.